Election 2008

An unplanned campaign stop…

Emily Schultheis

Kids for Obama

As I was walking back to SEPTA from the Sheraton in Center City, where Illinois Sen. Obama spoke at the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Convention this morning, I happened to pass by Obama’s motorcade. On the sidewalk next to several Secret Service agents and police cars, a group of about 20 or 30 elementary school-age kids stood facing the Sheraton, cheering, “O-ba-ma! O-ba-ma!”

That in and of itself was pretty cute. But when, only a few minutes later, Obama came out of the building and stopped to talk with the kids before getting in his car, I couldn’t help but say, “Aww….”

Obama spent several minutes hugging and shaking the hands of the children (who were accompanied by either parents or teachers, I’m not sure which). When I went up to the group to take a picture, one of the Secret Service agents said, “I’ll need you to stay on the sidewalk, ma’am.”

I stepped back and watched the scene unfold in front of me. After a few minutes, Obama’s staff ushered him into one of the SUVs that had pulled up alongside the crowd. He waved goodbye and the car pulled away.

I know that meeting cute little kids is all in a day’s work for a politician running for President — but you have to admit, it was pretty cute…

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